Last updated: August 11, 2020
Thing to Do
Drive Howland Hill Road
A Dirt Road Where Redwoods Kiss Your Car
Located in the northern part of the parks, Howland Hill Road is suitable for drivers not afraid of dust and getting very, very close to redwoods. Part of this 10-mile road once was a stage coach road and most of Howland Hill Road is narrow. Recreational vehicles, trucks or vehicles with trailers are too wide for this road.
Allow an hour to drive the length of the road which is located inside Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. There are many trailheads along the road, and parking and pullouts are limited.
During spring, often this road gets repaired after winter storms and it may be partially closed for short periods of time. Check the current conditions page for important updates.
Directions:
From Crescent City, Calif.: drive south 1 mile on U.S. 101 and turn left (east-northeast) onto Elk Valley Road; continue 1 mile and turn right (east) onto Howland Hill Road; after ~1½ miles the road becomes unpaved as it enters Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park; continue another 5½ miles on Howland Hill Road until it becomes Douglas Park Road (paved); after ~1½ miles turn left onto South Fork Road; after ½ mile South Fork Road junctions with U.S. 199 just east of Hiouchi, Calif.
Located in the northern part of the parks, Howland Hill Road is suitable for drivers not afraid of dust and getting very, very close to redwoods. Part of this 10-mile road once was a stage coach road and most of Howland Hill Road is narrow. Recreational vehicles, trucks or vehicles with trailers are too wide for this road.
Allow an hour to drive the length of the road which is located inside Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park. There are many trailheads along the road, and parking and pullouts are limited.
During spring, often this road gets repaired after winter storms and it may be partially closed for short periods of time. Check the current conditions page for important updates.
Directions:
From Crescent City, Calif.: drive south 1 mile on U.S. 101 and turn left (east-northeast) onto Elk Valley Road; continue 1 mile and turn right (east) onto Howland Hill Road; after ~1½ miles the road becomes unpaved as it enters Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park; continue another 5½ miles on Howland Hill Road until it becomes Douglas Park Road (paved); after ~1½ miles turn left onto South Fork Road; after ½ mile South Fork Road junctions with U.S. 199 just east of Hiouchi, Calif.
Details
Duration
45-90 Minutes
Activity
Scenic Driving
Pets Allowed
Yes
Leashed pets are allowed on this road.
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
Accessibility Information
There are no ADA accessible trails off Howland Hill Road.